After Shave & Balm

– Shaving is a very effective method of hair removal, but the process of passing sharp blades across your skin can also cause nicks, cuts, and irritation. In order to nurture skin, promote healing, and impart needed moisture, many people--both men and women--choose to use after shave formulas once the hair removal process is complete. Here at drugstore.com, we have a wide assortment of after shaves and balms that can be applied to your skin after you put the razor away.read more about aftershave »

Using After Shave to Heal and Nurture Skin

After shave products were originally invented primarily to disinfect skin during an era when razors weren't able to be manufactured and cared for as hygienically as they are today. Even though the risk of infection from shaving is much lower when you use a modern razor, today's after shave formulas still frequently contain antiseptic ingredients.

In addition to cleansing skin and killing off bacteria, aftershave products can help refine pores and tone the skin. The other key reason why both men and women still use after shave balms, lotions, and tonics today is because most of these products include ingredients that are designed to moisturize and nurture skin. Since shaving can be a drying process, these formulas can help restore some hydration and may leave skin looking and feeling healthier.

Types of After Shave Products

You'll have a few decisions to make as you choose the best after shave product for your skin. First, many products are specifically formulated for either men or women. While the majority of ingredients are likely to be the same, the fragrances these products carry might be distinctly masculine or feminine. Products for women also tend to be optimized for shaving body hair while men's after shaves might be designed for facial hair.

Another factor to think about is the consistency of the product you want to use. Tonics are typically more watery, while gels and balms are a little thicker.

If you are particularly concerned with using green personal care products, you can also find plenty of options that use botanicals in the place of some or all of the chemical ingredients found in traditional formulas.